James M. Ariel

November 20, 1951 - December 25, 2021

James M. Ariel, age 70 passed away peacefully on December 25, 2021. Beloved husband of Bonita (née Atilano); Loving and Cherished father of Vanessa (Dan) Medlin and Natalie (Nate) Wolfe; Proud Poppa of Issac Daniel and Isabel Marie; Son of the late Robert Ariel and late Pauline Ariel; Dear brother of Karen (Michael) Pritts and Linda (Richard) Reese; Loyal friend, uncle, nephew and cousin to many. James retired in 2011 from the ATU Local 241 where he worked as a CTA bus Mechanic for over 30 years. He still lived in his childhood home, in McKinley Park, where he was a resident for 60 years. He enjoyed The Rolling Stones, NASCAR and spending time outdoors at his vacation home in Michigan. His retirement was spent being a chauffeur for his wife and enjoying every second he could with his grandchildren. “Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was” ~ Hebrew Proverb Due to Covid restrictions, all funeral arrangements will be private and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Cancer Research Organization in Jim’s honor.